Weija-Gbawe Assembly pushes for stronger industrial safety measures as MCE assesses fire-ravaged rubber factory

The Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly is intensifying its focus on industrial safety and emergency preparedness following a devastating fire that ripped through a rubber-processing factory last week. Municipal Chief Executive, Felix Odartey Lamptey, together with members of the Municipal Coordinating Council, visited the affected facility to gain firsthand insight into the extent of the destruction and to chart a coordinated path toward recovery.

The factory, which serves as a source of livelihood for many residents, suffered severe damage to its production units and equipment, bringing operations to a standstill.

The incident has triggered broader conversations within the municipality about the readiness of businesses to prevent and respond to industrial hazards.

Speaking on-site, Mr Lamptey described the damage as a major blow to local manufacturing capacity. He expressed solidarity with the management and staff, stressing that the Assembly is committed to walking with the company through the recovery phase.

“This incident has hit the company hard, and by extension, the families and suppliers who depend on its daily operations,” he said. “But we are grateful no lives were lost. Our priority now is to support the business as investigations proceed and ensure stronger preventive measures across all industrial zones” he said.

The MCE highlighted that the fire serves as a sharp reminder of why regular safety checks, staff training, and adherence to fire protocols are essential. He noted that the Assembly will increase the frequency of industrial audits and collaborate more closely with regulatory agencies to help businesses stay compliant.

District Fire Service Officer, Isaac Saah, also briefed the team, explaining that a detailed assessment of the fire is underway. According to him, investigators are examining structural damage, fire patterns, and possible ignition sources.

“Our experts are still gathering evidence,” he said. “Once the full technical analysis is complete, the official report will be shared with the Assembly and the public. This will help guide corrective actions not only for this factory but for all facilities within the municipality.”

Management of the factory, visibly affected by the scale of the destruction, expressed gratitude for the Assembly’s proactive response. They assured officials of their full cooperation as inquiries continue and emphasized their resolve to rebuild and resume operations as soon as possible.

Beyond the inspection, the Assembly sees this incident as an opportunity to lead a wider safety awareness campaign aimed at reducing industrial risks. Plans are underway to organize refresher training for factory workers, fire wardens, and facility managers across the municipality.

The inspection marks a step in Weija-Gbawe’s efforts to ensure safer working environments, support businesses in crisis, and strengthen the resilience of the local industrial economy, ensuring that both workers and companies are better protected against future emergencies.